(INDIANAPOLIS) - September is National Sepsis Awareness Month, and the Indiana Hospital Association (IHA) is spreading the word about the potentially deadly response to an infection. Sepsis claims more than 258,000 lives in the United States each year, according to Sepsis Alliance.

Sepsis is the body's overwhelming and potentially life-threatening response to an infection. It can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and even death. Sepsis can occur even after a minor infection. Approximately 3,500 Hoosiers die from sepsis each year, according to the 2015 IHA Inpatient Discharge Study.

IHA is partnering with hospitals across the state to create reliable systems of care to prevent the risk of sepsis. On World Sepsis Day, Sept. 13, IHA and its partners will Rally Against Sepsis to encourage Hoosiers to join in this fight. Governor Pence has also declared this day Sepsis Awareness Day in Indiana.

"Sepsis is a public health issue and not just a hospital problem," said Doug Leonard, president of the Indiana Hospital Association. "We want hospital staff, patients and the community to better understand what it is and what to do if they suspect sepsis."

IHA says hospital staff, patients and the community should know the warning signs of sepsis, which include:

Shivering, fever, very cold

Extreme pain

Pale or discolored skin

Sleepy, difficult to wake up, confused

I feel like I might die

Shortness of breath

For more information about sepsis, be sure to follow #SurviveSepsis on social media throughout the month. For more information about Sepsis Awareness Month, visit SurviveSepsis.com.

About Indiana Hospital Association

Indiana Hospital Association is a nonprofit organization that serves as the professional trade association for more than 170 Hoosier hospitals. The mission of IHA is to provide leadership, representation and services in the common best interests of its members as they promote the improvement of community health status. IHA's primary responsibility is to represent the interests of hospitals in matters of public policy. IHA also provides members with education, communications and data collection services. To learn more about IHA, visit IHAconnect.org.